Power light steady, but WRT54G not responding

I have a WRT54G version 2. I bought it about 3 months ago, and though I cannot make sure what version of the firmware is now (since it's not working) - I think it's v2.02.2 - that's what it was when I bought it, I haven't attempted upgrading at all.

My dad was using the computer this morning - he said everything was working fine until a power fluctuation (happens a lot in my town) ... I guess I got a hardware problem, but maybe not...

After that - this is the state.

The Power light blinks when the router is turned on - then remains steady, seems normal. However, the Internet light is rock steady as well.

My laptop no longer detects any wireless connections, even when I'm right next to the router. I tried connecting physically to Ports 1 and 2 on the router - but DHCP fails to deliver an address. The appropriate LED on the router does light up and Windows does *not* say "Network cable is unplugged"

I statically set my Ethernet IP to 192.168.1.2 and tried pinging, the light on the router blinks and I get a "Request timed out". This continues for as long as the ping is running.

I tried resetting the router - pressed reset for 30 seconds with the power on (is this right? - I tried with the power off as well) . The light blinks after about 8 seconds - would turn steady and blink again - I read somwhere that you have to hold it down for 8 - 10 seconds.

Anyhow - resetting does nothing - same problem as above.

I tried from my desktop computer as well via a physical connection - same thing.

I know this was caused by a power fluctuation - but maybe it only corrupted the firmware?

Do you think I could get back by shorting 15 & 16? I am holding that off until I hear from you guys.

Finally, I had someone buy the router for me from BestBuy in the US, I'm in India - I doubt they have international service centers - returning it is going to be difficult, to say the least I'm sure it's within warranty, but I wonder if the warranty covers situations like these (power fluctuation)?

Any other suggestions to get going? Sharing my internet connectioin between my desktop and laptop is going to be a real pain until then.

I'dd love to help, but you've done everything I would want to suggest apart from returning the device to the store where it was bought.

Unfortunatly your also in the wrong subforum, so I think none of us have any experience with the WRT54G.

You might wanna try and leave the device powered off (disconnect it from the wall-outlet) for atleast an hour. Then while powering it on press the reset button for atleast 15 seconds. I doubt it will really help but you never know.

If your IP config looks like this:
IP: 192.168.1.2
Subnet Maks: 255.255.255.0
Gateway: 192.168.1.1
First try to ping 192.168.1.1, if it replies try using the flash program tftp.exe with the latest firmware to flash the device.

I hope this helps, but you might want to prepare for buying a new one.... Power surge related defects are usually not covered in any warranty.

I tried keeping the reset button pressed before powering the device, I keep it pressed and turn the power on - and hold for 30 seconds. The Power LED continues to flash even after I have released reset and it won't stop until I power down and power up again.

Still no pulse - no response from the Pings, my network config is as you stated.

About the subforum - the topic says WRTXXX and the description explicitly includes WRT54G? I could be mistaken however, so if appropriate can the Moderator please move this to the correct location?

I'll have a look at if returning is possible, but if not - I guess I should try shorting those pins... any other ideas?